Pressotherapy at home: effectiveness of the procedure and contraindications

The benefits of pressotherapy

When lymph stagnates in the body, various diseases and simply unpleasant conditions can occur. Pneumatic massage accelerates lymph flow, preventing pathologies. Pulse action activates blood circulation and metabolic processes at the cellular level. All tissues and organs receive a lot of oxygen and nutrients. Important functions are restored and overall health improves. Excess fluid and toxins leave the body. Provides an antispasmodic effect. Fatigue and stiffness of movement disappear. Patients note an increase in mood and overall tone, and a surge of strength. A course of pressotherapy increases resistance to stress and immunity.

Possible complications and side effects

Side effects are possible during any procedure. During pressotherapy they can also be observed:

• increased urination;
• sometimes the formation of hematomas.

Complications can arise if the procedure is carried out incorrectly, if the specialist is insufficiently qualified, or if existing chronic ailments are hidden.

• Pressotherapy for varicose veins: pneumomassage is used to prevent varicose veins and in its early stages. In other cases, pressotherapy is not recommended at all or with careful dosage, duration and frequency. It is also possible to use compression stockings during a session.
• Pressotherapy during menstruation : since pneumomassage activates blood and lymph circulation, it is contraindicated during menstruation, otherwise it can cause heavy bleeding.
• Pressotherapy for gynecological diseases is possible only after consultation with a doctor. For most of these “sores”, pressotherapy is contraindicated (cysts, fibroids, etc.).

How is pressotherapy performed?

Since pressotherapy is done only in the absence of contraindications, you must first consult with a therapist. It will also help identify the most problem areas.

2-3 hours before the session it is better to refuse food, but drink more. At the start of the procedure, the bladder and stomach should be empty.

The patient puts on a suit or separate cuffs, for example on the arms. The cosmetologist selects the optimal mode on the device. After this, pressure is applied to the selected areas in a wave-like manner. High and low alternate. This causes lymph and blood to circulate faster.

The session lasts 30-40 minutes. Lymphatic drainage can be done at any age, men and women.

There is no rehabilitation period. Immediately after the session you can return to everyday activities.

Combination with other procedures

Lymphatic drainage massage is combined with other cosmetic procedures:

• Cavitation – these procedures complement each other perfectly. Complex application is carried out, they alternate with each other.
• Radiation of infrared rays is an effective technique for body correction, which consists of combining pressotherapy and infrared radiation. With the help of “infrared pants,” fats are broken down well, and when combined with lymphatic drainage massage, the condition of blood and lymphatic vessels also improves.
• Manual massage - the use of pressotherapy is much more effective. As noted earlier, one barocompression session replaces about 20 manual massage procedures. But if there are contraindications or characteristics of the body, only a specialist will be able to determine what will be more beneficial.
• Myostimulation - these procedures are perfectly compatible, complement each other and even enhance the effect. In cosmetology, there are special courses that include cavitation, myostimulation and pressotherapy.
• Vacuum massage - enhances the effect, helps to get rid of excess weight in a short time, the final result is preserved over a long period of time.
• Wraps – have a positive effect in the fight against “orange peel”, increase muscle tone and dermis. In cosmetology, there is a course that includes pressotherapy, vacuum massage and wraps.
• LPG massage - the procedures are perfectly combined; with complex therapy, an enhanced effect is observed. Each of them can be used separately, it all depends on expectations and contraindications for use.

Before choosing a procedure, be sure to consult a doctor. He will recommend a complex that will have a positive effect on the beauty of your figure and the fight against cellulite.

Achieved effect from pressotherapy

Hands

Hand programs are aimed at stimulating lymph and blood flow. Thanks to the sessions, the volume is reduced and the skin is tightened. Long sleeve cuffs are used for massage.

Legs

Pressotherapy allows you to prevent varicose veins and treat them in the initial stages. It is prescribed for excess hip volume and swelling of the legs. Effective for even grade 3 cellulite and sagging skin. Strengthens blood vessels, increases their tone. After the procedure, your legs feel light and fatigue is relieved.

Body

The whole body program is effective for cellulite on the buttocks and excess fat deposits on the abdomen. Relieves puffiness, fatigue, improves skin appearance. It also has a powerful general therapeutic effect - it increases immunity, stress resistance, and removes toxins. This is the best way to relax and gain strength.

How is the procedure performed?

Pressotherapy is carried out as follows: the corresponding sections of the suit are put on the areas of the patient’s body that require massage. Using the device, the specialist sets the desired mode, intensity and time of exposure, and then compressed air begins to press on the patient’s body, which feels similar to the pressure of a cuff when measuring blood pressure. The only difference is that the effect occurs in a pulse wave, that is, with certain time pauses.

According to experts who conduct pressotherapy sessions, one procedure replaces several sessions of traditional manual massage.

The duration of one session is from 30 to 40 minutes. To achieve maximum effect, experts recommend undergoing pressotherapy in courses consisting of 10-20 procedures, depending on the goals of the massage and existing problems. You cannot carry out the procedure every day - it is best to take breaks of 2-3 days.

Pressotherapy is best done in specialized salons or clinics with specialists who not only know how to properly use the device for this procedure, but also have a medical education, that is, they know exactly human physiology and all the processes occurring in the body. They will be able to correctly set a massage program based on the individual preferences and health characteristics of the patient, which is very important for achieving maximum effect. The cost of a session can vary from 500 to 100 rubles per procedure.

The cost of a pressotherapy session depends on the type of device and the quality of the suit, the qualifications of the specialist and the prestige of the cosmetology center.

Nevertheless, it is also possible to carry out pressotherapy at home - there has long been a special version of the device on the market for this purpose. It has a more compact size and simplified massage programs. The advantage of a home pressotherapy device is the ability to provide massage while traveling, as well as for bedridden patients who cannot be constantly taken to the salon.

Pressotherapy programs

The pressotherapy device allows you to either use one of the massage programs included in the program or develop an individual one. It all depends on what goals the patient sets, the characteristics of his body and existing health and skin problems. The program for the legs is considered the most popular among the female half, since it is in the extremities that blood and lymph stagnate the most, and an inactive lifestyle, pregnancy and sedentary work contribute to this in every possible way.

The body program allows you to reduce volume and get rid of cellulite in problem areas - on the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. In addition, it is a comprehensive massage that has a greater effect on health in general and skin condition in particular, perfectly relaxing stressed muscles.

You can also use a hand program aimed at both improving blood and lymph flow, as well as reducing volume and sagging skin.

Pain during or after pressotherapy is not normal and may be associated with an incorrectly set program or incorrect dosage adjustment. In any case, this should definitely be reported to the specialist who performed the procedure.

Pros and cons of pressotherapy

Positive results are usually noticeable immediately after the procedure. The effect achieved from a course of procedures is more pronounced and lasts up to six months. If you eat right and exercise at least minimally, for example, doing gymnastics in the morning, the results will last longer.

Why pressotherapy is useful:

• the procedure is carried out easily, without pain and discomfort;
• a person feels cheerfulness and a surge of strength;
• swelling, and as a result, body volumes are reduced;
• positive changes occur at the level of lymph and blood circulation;
• toxins leave the body, immunity increases;
• sessions can be performed by people who are contraindicated for ultrasound treatment, manual massage, electrophoresis;
• the aging process of the skin slows down, its quality improves;
• chronic fatigue goes away;
• the risk of thrombosis is reduced;
• there is no effect on internal organs, as when taking pharmaceuticals to remove excess fluid, the body does not lose useful substances;
• no specific preparation required;
• the cosmetologist chooses the regimen strictly individually for the best effect;
• the technique is combined with mesotherapy, myostimulation, and cosmetic wraps;
• You can influence not only the whole body, but also locally.

Pneumomassage has almost no downsides. Harm can be caused if an unqualified cosmetologist chooses the wrong program. There are only two side effects: diuretic and the likelihood of hematomas. If sessions are carried out in the presence of contraindications, then there may also be negative consequences. Therefore, you should first consult your doctor.

Important! The most dangerous thing is performing pressotherapy for oncology. Hardware massage stimulates the growth of malignant cells and disperses them throughout the body.

To avoid consequences, you need to carefully study the reputation of the clinic. The procedure should be carried out not just by a cosmetologist, but by a specialist with a medical education.

What effect can you achieve?

The essence of pressotherapy is applying pressure using compressed air to certain points of the body. The patient is put on a special suit into which air is gradually pumped. It puts pressure on selected areas of the body. Pressure and relaxation alternate constantly. The procedure does not cause pain or discomfort.

With the help of pressotherapy, the outflow of lymph improves, swelling goes away, various toxins that accumulate in the body due to the slowdown of lymph flow are eliminated, and blood circulation is normalized.

A full course of procedures can not only improve your well-being, but also eliminate some aesthetic imperfections. With the help of pressotherapy you can achieve the following results:

• Eliminate excess weight , create clear body contours;
• Improve skin condition , slow down the aging process;
• Increase vascular tone;
• Eliminate chronic fatigue , improve well-being, increase performance;
• Boost immunity;
• Relieve the feeling of heaviness in the legs by normalizing blood circulation.

Pressotherapy serves as an excellent prevention of varicose veins. You can feel the result after 2 procedures. One session has an effect comparable to 30 minutes of massage.

Thanks to the active pressure of compressed air on certain points, muscles relax, blood circulation increases, and tissues are better saturated with oxygen. This procedure allows you to expand the lumen of blood vessels, which also prevents thrombosis.

With the help of pressotherapy, the condition of patients with various chronic diseases, for example, high blood pressure or ischemia, can be improved.

By removing excess fluid, the figure improves, it becomes more toned, and the skin becomes elastic. Pressotherapy is often used to combat cellulite.

Indications for pressotherapy

There are many indications, because pressotherapy solves many problems:

• varicose veins;
• venous insufficiency;
• reduced immunity;
• chronic fatigue;
• constant stress;
• insomnia;
• heavy sports training;
• previous injuries;
• recent surgical interventions;
• suffered a stroke;
• rehabilitation after liposuction;
• swelling;
• constant leg fatigue;
• metabolic disorders at the cellular level;
• cellulite;
• loose skin;
• excess body weight

Photos before and after the procedure

Photos before and after pressotherapy No. 1

Photos before and after pressotherapy No. 2

Photos before and after pressotherapy No. 3

Photos before and after pressotherapy No. 4

Contraindications

General contraindications to pressotherapy:

• oncology;
• acute skin inflammation;
• any form of tuberculosis;
• benign neoplasms;
• unhealed fractures, dislocations or skin damage in the areas where the cuffs are supposed to be applied;
• diabetes mellitus (damage to blood vessels due to it);
• arrhythmia;
• cardiovascular failure;
• liver failure;
• renal failure;
• pacemaker;
• blood clotting disorder;
• increased blood viscosity;
• thrombophlebitis, thrombosis;
• mental disorders;
• metal prostheses in the intended impact area;
• epilepsy;
• thyroid diseases;
• injury to nerve trunks;
• high blood pressure;
• acute pain syndrome in the body;
• increased body temperature;
• atherosclerosis.

Contraindications to abdominal pressotherapy:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• menstruation;
• uterine fibroids;
• intestinal obstruction;
• acute intestinal diseases, as well as exacerbation of chronic ones;
• previous peritonitis.

How to choose a program

It is better to refrain from independently selecting a program, since this should only be done by a specialist. After all, it is unknown whether a standard program is suitable in your case; perhaps it is necessary to develop an individual one.

In total, there are 3 sets of hardware services.

Hands

Pressotherapy of the hands
To work out the hands, use long arms shaped like cuffs. The effect will be most noticeable when the skin in the forearms sag due to sudden weight loss.

Body

Pressotherapy of the whole body
In this case, the main effect is on the abdomen and buttocks. A special wide belt is used. With the help of lymphatic drainage massage, adipose tissue is reduced and cellulite is eliminated.

In a number of situations, this complex is prescribed to people who have just undergone liposuction. In this case, pneumatic drainage smoothes the skin in the operated areas. They become elastic and elastic.

Legs

Leg pressotherapy
The most popular version of the program. This is explained by the fact that the legs are stores of fatty tissue. An inactive lifestyle associated with sedentary work plays a big role in this. As a result: blood and lymph stagnate in the lower extremities.

Problems with the legs are felt most severely during pregnancy or during lactation.

In this situation, treatment with compressed air masses will be of great benefit to new mothers. The duration of the manipulations and the degree of influence of compressed air is determined by the doctor, taking into account the severity of congestion.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure yourself?

To carry out pressotherapy at home, you need to exclude the presence of contraindications, purchase special equipment complete with a suit, and learn how to work with it correctly. For independent use, manufacturers offer compact mobile devices with accessible controls. They are not as expensive as their salon counterparts, and cost around 20,000 rubles. It is better to set the program not independently, but together with a specialist. After preparation for the session is completed:

• Wear a compression suit or its elements.
• Sit comfortably somewhere on a sofa or chair. Remember, during the massage it is better to lie down or sit with your back tilted at an angle of 450.
• Place the control panel within walking distance.
• Connect the air ducts to the suit through special valves.
• Set the pre-selected mode.
• Relax, calm down and listen to your feelings.

It’s good if during the first session there will be a loved one nearby who can help you interrupt the procedure if any unpleasant sensations or symptoms appear: redness of the face, a sharp rise in blood pressure, nausea, dizziness. If everything goes well, then repeat the massage in a couple of days.

The effects of pressotherapy on muscles

Mechanical impact on muscles stimulates restoration processes in the muscle tissue itself and promotes the rapid removal of metabolic products from the sarcoplasm. The chambers of the device are positioned in such a way as to cover almost the entire muscle. This allows you to apply pressure to the trigger zones of the muscles, causing them to relax.

Indications: chronic muscle fatigue, poor muscle recovery after exercise, muscle strains and muscle spasms.

The effect of pressotherapy on lymphatic vessels

A sedentary lifestyle leads to fluid stagnation and its accumulation in the intercellular and intertissue space. This is how swelling, lymphostasis and cellulite are formed. The pressure created by the chambers “squeezes” the stagnant liquid into the lymphatic vessels, and the consistent supply of air promotes the removal of liquid upward through the lymphatic vessels (squeeze effect).

Indications: swelling of the lower extremities, disturbances in the functioning of the lymphatic system (not related to diseases of the lymph itself), lymphostasis, swelling after injuries and operations (during the period of complete healing of skin wounds), cellulite.

Pressotherapy device. Making smart choices

Each lymphatic drainage device has certain parameters that you need to pay attention to before purchasing:

• pressure. The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the indicator. The characteristic ranges from 20 to 300 mmHg;
• number of chambers in the cuffs of the device. This parameter directly affects the quality of the procedure. For a device that will be used at home, you need 4 or 6 cameras;
• complete set of equipment. Equipment may vary. Some include a suit, cuffs for the limbs and waist. Others are equipped with infrared heating devices, which allows for additional effects on soft tissues;
• equipment manufacturer. Trust only trusted suppliers, this reduces the risk of buying a fake;
• cost of equipment. For a home device, the price starts from $600; salon professionals purchase devices a little more expensive – from $1,500 to $3,000.